Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by pain in your muscles and fibrous tissues (such as the tendons and ligaments), accompanied by fatigue, low mood, and sleep problems. A person with fibromyalgia can experience a wide range of symptoms, and symptoms may vary from person to person.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. For many years it was thought that it was psychologically based but research has found that injury, infection, surgery, or illness may trigger the condition. Sometimes symptoms accumulate over time without a single triggering event. There are also indications that hereditary factors are involved in the development of fibromyalgia as it can occur in several members of one family.
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread muscle pain
- Widespread joint pain
- Stiffness
- Tender areas on various parts of the body (such as elbows, knees, head) that hurt when touched
- Fatigue
- Problems sleeping or staying asleep
- Cognitive difficulties (such as an impaired ability to focus, memory problems, difficulty concentrating – often referred to as “fibro fog”).
Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other disorders and there are no visible signs (like signs of inflammation or joint lumps) or definitive laboratory tests. It may also coexist with other conditions such as:
- Migraine and other types of headache
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
- Restless legs syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement).
A fibromyalgia diagnosis is often made when a patient has had 3 previous months of unexplained body-wide pain and at least 11 of 18 tender points in specific locations.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but the condition can be managed using a variety of measures. A holistic approach should be taken as not all symptoms can or should be treated with medications. Learning about the condition and modifying your attitude and behavior towards the condition also helps.
Nonpharmacological treatments include:
- Acupuncture
- Dietary changes
- Education
- Homeopathy
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Yoga.
Many different types of medications have also been used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Treatments usually involve trial and error, as what works for one person may not work for another. Examples of medications that may benefit some symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Acetaminophen
- Antidepressants (eg, tricyclic antidepressants, SNRIs, SSRIs)
- Capsaicin
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Duloxetine
- Gabapentin
- Ibuprofen
- Pramipexole
- Pregabalin
- Tramadol.
Read more
Drugs used to treat Fibromyalgia
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.Select drug class All drug classes Opioids (narcotic analgesics) (1) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1) Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics (1) Cns stimulants (1) Antidotes (1) Expectorants (1) Skeletal muscle relaxants (2) Miscellaneous antiemetics (1) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (2) Tricyclic antidepressants (1) Glucocorticoids (1) Phenylpiperazine antidepressants (3) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (7) Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs (3) Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants (1) Drugs used in alcohol dependence (1) Adrenergic uptake inhibitors for adhd (1) Show filters
| Drug name | Rating | Reviews | Activity? | Rx/OTC | Preg | CSA | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expand current row for information about LyricaLyrica | 6.4 | 342 reviewsfor Lyrica to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | 5 | X | |
| Expand current row for information about gabapentingabapentin Off-label | 6.7 | 187 reviewsfor gabapentin to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about CymbaltaCymbalta | 6.2 | 269 reviewsfor Cymbalta to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about sodium oxybatesodium oxybate Off-label | 8.0 | 9 reviewsfor sodium oxybate to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | B | 3 | X | |
| Expand current row for information about cyclobenzaprinecyclobenzaprine Off-label | 7.7 | 57 reviewsfor cyclobenzaprine to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | B | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about duloxetineduloxetine | 6.0 | 314 reviewsfor duloxetine to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about SavellaSavella | 6.6 | 339 reviewsfor Savella to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about tramadoltramadol Off-label | 7.4 | 155 reviewsfor tramadol to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | 4 | X | |
| Expand current row for information about amitriptylineamitriptyline Off-label | 6.5 | 111 reviewsfor amitriptyline to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about pregabalinpregabalin | 6.4 | 398 reviewsfor pregabalin to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | 5 | X | |
| Expand current row for information about guaifenesinguaifenesin Off-label | 8.5 | 108 reviewsfor guaifenesin to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx/OTC | C | N | ||
| Expand current row for information about meloxicammeloxicam Off-label | 7.2 | 30 reviewsfor meloxicam to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about trazodonetrazodone Off-label | 7.2 | 35 reviewsfor trazodone to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about armodafinilarmodafinil Off-label | 8.7 | 18 reviewsfor armodafinil to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | 4 | ||
| Expand current row for information about nabilonenabilone Off-label | 8.8 | 10 reviewsfor nabilone to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | 2 | X | |
| Expand current row for information about naltrexonenaltrexone Off-label | 6.9 | 67 reviewsfor naltrexone to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about prednisoneprednisone | 8.1 | 65 reviewsfor prednisone to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | ||
| Expand current row for information about metaxalonemetaxalone Off-label | 7.6 | 26 reviewsfor metaxalone to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | N | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about topiramatetopiramate Off-label | 6.2 | 45 reviewsfor topiramate to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | D | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about DesyrelDesyrel Off-label | 6.9 | 9 reviewsfor Desyrel to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about escitalopramescitalopram Off-label | 7.4 | 21 reviewsfor escitalopram to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about venlafaxinevenlafaxine Off-label | 6.7 | 52 reviewsfor venlafaxine to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about fluoxetinefluoxetine Off-label | 7.4 | 8 reviewsfor fluoxetine to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about milnacipranmilnacipran | 6.6 | 351 reviewsfor milnacipran to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about desvenlafaxinedesvenlafaxine Off-label | 7.3 | 23 reviewsfor desvenlafaxine to treat Fibromyalgia | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about Desyrel DividoseDesyrel Dividose Off-label | Rate | Add review | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about atomoxetineatomoxetine Off-label | Rate | Add review | Rx | C | N | ||
| Expand current row for information about Drizalma SprinkleDrizalma Sprinkle | Rate | Add review | Rx | C | N | X | |
| Expand current row for information about MetaxallMetaxall Off-label | Rate | Add review | Rx | N | N | X |
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Frequently asked questions
- How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?
- Lyrica vs Gabapentin: What’s the difference?
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen, what’s the difference?
- Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
- How long does it take for Lyrica to work?
- How long do venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms last?
- What is low dose naltrexone (LDN)?
- Prednisone vs Prednisolone – What’s the difference?
- How long does Lyrica stay in your system?
View more FAQ
Alternative treatments for Fibromyalgia
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Fibromyalgia. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Fibromyalgia.
- 5-HTP Mood and Stress
- Glucosamine
Learn more about Fibromyalgia
- Tramadol – Top 8 Things You Need to Know
Care guides
- Fibromyalgia
Symptoms and treatments
- Fibromyalgia
Medicine.com guides (external)
- Fibromyalgia Guide
Legend
| Rating | For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
|---|---|
| Activity | Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list. |
| Rx | Prescription only. |
| OTC | Over-the-counter. |
| Rx/OTC | Prescription or Over-the-counter. |
| Off-label | This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition. |
| EUA | An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives. |
| Expanded Access | Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available. |
| Pregnancy Category | |
|---|---|
| A | Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters). |
| B | Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. |
| C | Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. |
| D | There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. |
| X | Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits. |
| N | FDA has not classified the drug. |
| Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule | |
|---|---|
| M | The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication. |
| U | CSA Schedule is unknown. |
| N | Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
| 1 | Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. |
| 2 | Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. |
| 3 | Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. |
| 4 | Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3. |
| 5 | Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4. |
| Alcohol | |
|---|---|
| X | Interacts with Alcohol. |
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